Passion for Paws

Whether you have a passion for diabetes prevention or protecting our four-legged friends, we celebrate whatever it is that inspires you to get out and live life.

We are proud to support one of our Skinny Gene members, Michelle, as she runs the Chicago Marathon in memory of Winston, her 2 1/2 year old Weimaraner that passed away due to heart failure last year on October 12, 2008.

Winston's Story- By Michelle C (Skinny Gene Project, Chicago)

Winston was a blue Weimaraner that I purchased from a breeder in May of 2006. I had been living in Chicago, IL for approximately 6 years before I even thought about taking on the responsibility of such a large and energetic dog. I also was an avid runner with multiple running partners that helped motivate me to run on not so nice days and for safety reasons while living in such a big city. As my life, career, and responsibilities started changing so did my running partners and my desire to run. That is when I decided it was time to get a dog that was able to run with me to keep me safe and to get me out running regularly again.

I had done my research, found a breeder in Iowa, and put down a deposit to secure the pick of the litter.

When the puppies were six weeks old I went to Iowa to pick out which puppy would be mine and I instantly fell in love with the little pudgy, laid back Weimaraner with the blue collar.

When I picked him up at 8 weeks old the breeder had told me that at his last vet appointment they had found that he had a heart murmur and that there was a 95% chance he would grow out of it. At that point I had an opportunity to take a different puppy, but I refused and went with my first instinct and in fear that he may not have a chance at a good home if I didn’t take him.

Over the next 2 years, Winston’s heart disease progressed which made it difficult for him to be in the heat or to express his puppy spirit. At any chance he pushed the limits and loved every minute of it. Needless to say he didn’t have the chance to be my running partner, but he was my best friend. I lost Winston to heart failure on the evening of October 11, 2008 at 2 ½ years old.

The 2009 Chicago Marathon is on October 11, 2009 which is the year anniversary of Winston’s death.

Therefore, I thought it was fitting to run in his name for PAWS Chicago (Pets Are Worth Saving), which is the city's largest No Kill humane organization, focused on alleviating Chicago's tragic pet homelessness problem. Since PAWS Chicago's founding, the number of homeless pets killed in the city has been reduced by more than half ―from 42,561 pets killed in 1997 to 19,288 in 2008.


I believe all dogs and cats deserve a second chance at life and love!

Please support my efforts at http://marathon.pawschicago.org/runner/mcevera/ or at a shelter near you!

A True Inspiration

Annie’s Journey to the Finish Line (Skinny Gene Project San Diego)

Saving my life-One step at a time

I DON'T WANT TO DIE and I'm dying. I am this reality. I WANT TO LIVE and I'm living. I am creating this reality.”

Like millions of other Americans, like YOU, I have faced adversity and been forced to hurdle obstacles more times than I can count. Despite every effort to fight, a series of medical conditions overcame my body. Before they were able to diagnose and stop the problem, the damage had been done.

I had to walk away from 10 years of service to the Navy. Images of my shipmates were replaced by the reflection of the overweight woman in the mirror that stared back me, suffocating my spirit and determination until nothing was left.


Alone without my Navy family and without my own family I sank into depression and my health spiraled further out of control. Before I knew it, my mortality became a reality.


The Skinny Gene Project taught me that it is never too late to regain control of my life. Not only am I receiving the tools and resources I need to be successful, this organization gives me tremendous hope and I know I don't have to struggle alone. They support and believe in me, even when I start to lose faith in myself. - Annie

______________


After becoming a member of the Skinny Gene Project, Annie began working with our Registered Dietitian (Emily) and a physical trainer from Tru Health and Wellness (Craig). With less than 30 pounds to go in losing her first 100 pounds, Annie set her sights on walking in the San Diego Rock n' Roll Marathon.


She trained vigorously for weeks. Then, a few weeks before the event, she fell. Annie injured her knee and was no longer able to compete. This was a devestating blow to Annie. It was happening again!


Several years ago, while in the Navy, Annie was training for the San Diego Marathon and had a horrible bike riding accident. She was immoble for months. This marked the beginning of her weight gain. This time however, Annie was determined to have a different outcome.


Although her knee injury prevented her from participating in any physical activity, she continued to lose weight. She focused on regaining her health ...

AND

Finally, on August 16th, Annie completed her first 5K.

Congratulations Annie! We are so very proud of you!

Opening The Curtains Of Hope

Check out our pictures at the end of this post!

WOW, what a fantastic evening! We kicked off the New Year with class, and in our own unique Skinny Gene style. The featured event would be ANNIE, one the great classic musicals of our time. A performance we chose because it inspires HOPE, even in the darkest of times. Little did we know, that while we were working so hard to inspire others, it was our eyes that were ultimately opened in the end.


To understand why this night was so spectacular, let’s rewind and go back to the beginning. It began with a question…


How do we, a new (and financially handicapped:) non-profit organization, introduce our cause to the San Diego community in a way that embodies our overall concept and vision?


Our goal is simple: EDUCATE. EMPOWER. PREVENT DIABETES


Our concept and identity is unique: A new non-profit organization in San Diego that is dedicated to preventing diabetes by helping individuals at risk of developing this disease adopt a healthy lifestyle. In addition to providing the proper tools and resources to fight diabetes, the Skinny Gene Project provides a person with the ability to participate in fun social interactions that reinforce positive lifestyle changes.


Idea: Skinny Gene a classic social experience- Dinner and a Show.


Challenge: Provide a fun and social environment that clearly states who we are, creates awareness about our cause, and embodies our overall concept and vision?


To solve the problem, enter stage left… Red Letter Days (Bek and Mia)- truly an invaluable gift. Their vast understanding of our objectives, attention to detail, and out of the box solutions helped breathe life into the launch of the Skinny Gene Project.


Solution:

1) Have the food catered by a well-known chef that can create delectable dishes that meet our strict dietary requirements

2) Intermix information about our cause into the frame work of the décor and distribute prizes for learning about the Skinny Gene Project

3) Create a social environment that focuses on common interests


We were elated when Bek and Mia informed us that they didn’t want to be just a part of the solution, but they’d rather play an integral role in the continued development of the Skinny Gene Project. They donated their time and services, and they utilized their resources to create a memorable night for all of us.

SHOWTIME

I stood in amazement as our guests were escorted up the stairs to our private reception under the Civic Theatre chandlers. Our guests were eager to learn about who WE are. They shared stories about how diabetes has personally affected their lives, or asked to join our fight to prevent diabetes.


I could clearly see that other people’s desire to support and participate in this cause has always been there. We just needed to provide an opportunity to turn that desire into action.


After seven years of trying to make an impact, it was actually happening! I was finally a part of a movement that would waken our community, and inspire our generation to take part in the reshaping of our community to create a healthier tomorrow.


A BIG THANKS to all the people who attended and participated in bringing our dream to light.